Compressor protection and diagnostic system

ABSTRACT

A compressor diagnostic device is provided and includes at least one of a temperature sensor and a current sensor. The current sensor measures a first current flow through a motor of a refrigerant compressor. The temperature sensor is disposed within and sensing a temperature of a measurement region of an electrical conductor that is configured to close and open to allow and prevent current flow to the motor, respectively. The compressor diagnostic device also includes a controller in communication with the at least one of the current sensor and the temperature sensor. The controller is operable to control the electrical conductor based on a comparison of a second current flow through the motor and a maximum current.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/685,375, filed on Jan. 11, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/402,316, filed on Apr. 11, 2006, (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,648,342), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/027,757, filed on Dec. 30, 2004, (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,290,989), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/533,236, filed on Dec. 30, 2003. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present teachings relate to compressors, and more particularly, to an improved diagnostic system for use with a compressor.

BACKGROUND

Compressors are used in a wide variety of industrial and residential applications. More particularly, compressors are often used to circulate refrigerant within a refrigeration or heat pump system to provide a desired heating or cooling effect. In addition, compressors are also used to inflate or otherwise impart a fluid force on an external object such as a tire, sprinkler system, or pneumatic tool. In any of the foregoing applications, it is desirable that a compressor provide consistent and efficient operation to ensure that the particular application (i.e., refrigeration system or pneumatic tool) functions properly. To that end, alerting when a compressor has failed or is in need of repair helps prevent unnecessary compressor damage and system failures.

Compressors are intended to run trouble free for the life of the compressor and provide a consistent supply of compressed fluid. While compressors are increasingly reliable, monitoring operation of the compressor allows one to discontinue its operation should an error or fault arise. Discontinuing use of the scroll compressor under unfavorable conditions will likely prevent damage to the compressor.

Faults causing a compressor to shut down may be electrical or mechanical in nature. Electrical faults generally have a direct effect on the electric motor in the compressor, and may destroy the electric motor or its associated components. Mechanical faults may include faulty bearings or broken parts, and typically raise the internal temperature of the respective components to very high levels, sometimes causing malfunction of and damage to the compressor. In addition to mechanical and electrical faults, “system” faults may occur, such as those resulting from an adverse level of refrigerant or lubricant or to a blocked flow condition. Such system faults may raise the internal compressor temperature or pressure to high levels, which may damage the compressor.

SUMMARY

A compressor diagnostic device is provided and includes at least one of a temperature sensor and a current sensor. The current sensor measures a first current flow through a motor of a refrigerant compressor. The temperature sensor is disposed within and sensing a temperature of a measurement region of an electrical conductor that is configured to close and open to allow and prevent current flow to the motor, respectively. The compressor diagnostic device also includes a controller in communication with the at least one of the current sensor and the temperature sensor. The controller is operable to control the electrical conductor based on a comparison of a second current flow through the motor and a maximum current.

A compressor diagnostic method is also provided. The compressor diagnostic method includes at least one of: measuring, using a current sensor, a first current flow through a motor of a refrigerant compressor; and measuring, using a temperature sensor, a temperature of a measurement region of an electrical conductor that is configured to close and open to allow and prevent current flow to the motor, respectively. The compressor diagnostic method further includes: communicating with at least one of the current sensor and the temperature sensor; and controlling the electrical conductor based on a comparison of a second current flow through the motor and a maximum current.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present teachings will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compressor incorporating a first protection system in accordance with the teachings;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the compressor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a more detailed sectional view of the protection system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the protection system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the protection system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an alternate schematic representation of the protection system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a compressor incorporating a second protection system in accordance with the teachings;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the compressor of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a more detailed sectional view of the protection system of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the protection system of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the protection system of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a compressor incorporating a third protection system in accordance with the teachings;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cluster block of the protection system of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cluster block of FIG. 13 incorporated into a current-sensor assembly;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the cluster block and current-sensor assembly of FIG. 14 incorporated into a housing;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the cluster block and current-sensor assembly of FIG. 14 incorporated into a housing and mounted to the compressor of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a flow-chart depicting operation of a compressor in accordance with the teachings;

FIG. 18 is a flow-chart depicting operation of a compressor between a run condition and a shutdown condition in accordance with the teachings;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a compressor incorporating a fourth protection system in accordance with the teachings;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the compressor of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the protection system of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the protection system of FIG. 20 showing a current-sensing arrangement; and

FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of a compressor network in accordance with the teachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the teachings, its application, or uses.

With reference to the figures, a scroll compressor 10 is provided and includes a compressor protection and control system 12. The protection and control system 12 is operable to selectively shut down the compressor 10 in response to sensed compressor parameters in an effort to protect the compressor 10 and prevent operation thereof when conditions are unfavorable. While a scroll compressor 10 will be described herein, it should be understood that any compressor could be used with the protection and control system 12 of the present invention.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the compressor 10 is shown to include a generally cylindrical hermetic shell 14 having a welded cap 16 at a top portion and a base 18 having a plurality of feet 20 welded at a bottom portion. The cap 16 and base 18 are fitted to the shell 14 such that an interior volume 22 of the compressor 10 is defined. The cap 16 is provided with a discharge fitting 24, while the shell 14 is similarly provided with an inlet fitting 26, disposed generally between the cap 16 and base 14, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 8. In addition, an electrical enclosure 28 is fixedly attached to the shell 14 generally between the cap 16 and base 18 and operably supports a portion of the protection system 12 therein, as will be discussed further below.

A crankshaft 30 is rotatively driven by an electric motor 32 relative to the shell 14. The motor 32 includes a stator 34 fixedly supported by the hermetic shell 14, windings 36 passing therethrough, and a rotor 38 press fitted on the crankshaft 30. The motor 32 and associated stator 34, windings 36, and rotor 38 are operable to drive the crankshaft 30 relative to the shell 14 to thereby compress a fluid.

The compressor 10 further includes an orbiting scroll member 40 having a spiral vane or wrap 42 on the upper surface thereof for use in receiving and compressing a fluid. An Oldham coupling 44 is positioned between orbiting scroll member 40 and a bearing housing 46 and is keyed to orbiting scroll member 40 and a non-orbiting scroll member 48. The Oldham coupling 44 is operable to transmit rotational forces from the crankshaft 30 to the orbiting scroll member 40 to thereby compress a fluid disposed between the orbiting scroll member 40 and non-orbiting scroll member 48. Oldham coupling 44 and its interaction with orbiting scroll member 40 and non-orbiting scroll member 48 is preferably of the type disclosed in assignee's commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,506, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Non-orbiting scroll member 48 also includes a wrap 50 positioned in meshing engagement with wrap 42 of orbiting scroll member 40. Non-orbiting scroll member 48 has a centrally disposed discharge passage 52 which communicates with an upwardly open recess 54. Recess 54 is in fluid communication with discharge fitting 24 defined by cap 16 and partition 56, such that compressed fluid exits the shell 14 via passage 52, recess 54, and fitting 24. Non-orbiting scroll member 48 is designed to be mounted to bearing housing 46 in a suitable manner such as disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,382 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,316, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to FIG. 2, electrical enclosure 28 includes a lower housing 58, an upper housing 60, and a cavity 62. The lower housing 58 is mounted to the shell 14 using a plurality of studs 64 which are welded or otherwise fixedly attached to the shell 14. The upper housing 60 is matingly received by the lower housing 58 and defines the cavity 62 therebetween. The cavity 62 is operable to house respective components of the compressor protection and control system 12, as will be discussed further below.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1-6, the compressor protection and control system 12 is shown to include a sensor system 66, processing circuitry 68, and a power interruption system 70. The sensor system 66, processing circuitry 68, and power interruption system 70 cooperate to detect and correct fault conditions in an effort to prevent damage to the compressor 10 and to alert a user to the fault condition (i.e., via light emitting devices (LED) and the like). The compressor protection and control system 12 detects and responds to run winding delay, motor overload, missing phase, reverse phase, motor winding current imbalance, open circuit, low voltage, locked rotor currents, excessive motor winding temperature, high discharge temperature conditions, low oil pressure, lack of three phase power, open thermistors, welded or open contactors, and short cycling. For example, a compressor protection and control system 12 for a particular type and size compressor may be as summarized in Table 1, but other compressor types and sizes may have different thresholds, parameters, indicators and limits.

TABLE 1 ALARM OCCURRENCE ACTION LED LOCKOUT RESET Run Excessive delay in Trip (open Red 10 Trips In a Normal run Winding energizing one contactor flashes Row winding Delay winding after a first relay), wait 5 one operation OR winding is minutes, then time Cycle power energized close between contactor pauses relay Missing One phase is Trip (open Red 10 Trips In a All three Phase missing contactor flashes Row phases relay), wait 5 two present OR minutes, then times Cycle power close between contactor pauses relay Reverse Three phase Trip (open Red 4 Trips In a Phase Phase power leads are contactor flashes Row orientation connected relay), wait 5 three correct OR improperly causing minutes, then times Cycle power motor to run close between backwards contactor pauses relay Welded Contactor is None Red None N/A Contactor providing three flashes phase power to four compressor when times contactor should between be open pauses Low Voltage Supply voltage to Trip (open Red None Supply AMPS is below the contactor flashes voltage alarm threshold relay), wait 5 five remains in minutes times “normal” between range pauses No Three Current is not None Red None Three phase Phase detected at flashes current is Power compressor five detected terminals when times when demand is present between demand is pauses present OR demand is not present and no current is detected Low Oil Oil pressure is too Trip (open Red None Oil pressure Pressure low for an contactor flashes sensor alarm extended period of relay), close one relay is open time contactor time relay when oil between relay closes pauses Discharge Discharge Trip (open Red 4 Trips In 3 Discharge Temperature temperature is too contactor flashes Hours temps remain high relay), wait 30 two in “normal” minutes, then times range OR close between Cycle power contactor pauses relay Motor Motor temperature Trip (open Red 4 Trips In 3 Motor temps Temperature is too high OR contactor flashes Hours remain in motor temperature relay), wait 30 three “normal” sensor is short minutes, then times range OR circuited close between Cycle power contactor pauses relay Locked Current to Trip (open Red 4 Trips In a Current to Rotor compressor contactor flashes Row compressor exceeds 300 Amps relay), wait 5 four remains in or fails to decrease minutes, then times “normal” from initial locked close between range OR rotor current level contactor pauses Cycle power or exceeds 300 Amps relay or 40% of peak locked rotor Amps (LRA) while running Motor Current to Trip (open Red None Current to Overload compressor contactor flashes compressor exceeds maximum relay), wait 5 five remains in continuous current minutes, then times “normal” (MCC) rating close between range contactor pauses relay Open One or more Trip (open Red None Discharge Thermistor discharge/motor contactor flashes temps remain temperature relay), wait 30 six in “normal” sensors are minutes, then times range OR disconnected close between Cycle power contactor pauses relay

As shown above in Table 1, a run winding delay is generally defined as an excessive delay in energizing one winding after a first winding is energized. When a start winding has been energized, a run winding must be energized within two seconds. If the run winding is not energized within this time period, the system 12 shuts down the compressor motor 32. If the run winding is energized first, the start winding must be energized within two seconds. If the start winding is not energized within this time period, the system 12 similarly shuts down the motor 32. For a plural compressor 10 c (FIG. 19) the system 12 senses both the start and run winding current at start up. When the compressor 10 c is in the running state, if either the start or run winding completely drop out for more than two seconds, the system 12 shuts down the motor 32.

A missing phase fault is generally defined when one phase of the motor 32 is missing. Once the start winding is energized, the system 12 ensures that current is present in all phases within 700 milliseconds after current is detected in one of the phases. If current is detected in at least one phase and no current is detected in the other phase(s), then the system 12 shuts down the motor 32. Generally speaking, a current imbalance of greater than 50 percent is required before the motor 32 is interrupted. The run winding is monitored and protected against missing phase in a similar fashion. During normal running operation (i.e., while demand is present), if a loss of current in any phase of the motor 32 is detected for a period of one second, the motor 32 is shut down.

A reverse phase is generally defined when three phase power leads are connected improperly, thereby causing the motor 32 to run backwards. If the phase sequence of the three phase power is incorrect, the system 12 shuts down the compressor 10. The phase sequence is measured roughly 700 milliseconds after the demand signal and current is sensed in the start winding. It should be noted that the motor 32 may rotate “backwards” for a short period of time after power has been removed from the compressor 10 due to pressure equalization. Due to this phenomenon, reverse phase is only monitored for roughly the first five seconds of each compressor start cycle.

A welded contactor fault is declared when a contactor supplies three phase power to the compressor 10 when contactor should be open. This condition is detected after the motor 32 has been shut down. If current persists after roughly two seconds of shutdown, then it will be assumed that the contacts have welded or mechanically “jammed” shut.

A motor overload condition is generally referred to a situation where current to the compressor 10 exceeds a maximum continuous current (MCC) rating. Overload current is defined as current that exceeds 110 percent rated MCC for more than 60 seconds. If the part winding motor current in any leg of either start or run winding exceeds the pre-programmed limit, then the system 12 shuts down the motor 32. The MCC overload detection does not start until five seconds after start up and continues until shutdown. If a compressor's MCC is not programmed, overload current is detected by the motor temperature sensor(s). The system 12 detects a missing compressor MCC parameter when it determines that the MCC value is set to zero Amps, which is the default setting for the compressor 10.

A locked rotor condition is declared when current to the compressor 10 exceeds roughly 300 Amps, fails to decrease from an initial locked rotor current level, exceeds 300 Amps, or is roughly 40 percent of peak locked rotor Amps (LRA) while running. The locked rotor current during start up is expected to decrease within one second after the motor 32 comes up to speed and settles down to a normal running current level. The system maintains a 100 millisecond buffer of the current readings for the run and start windings. When compressor demand is high, indicating the compressor has started, the highest peak current in the buffer is recorded as the locked rotor current. The peak locked rotor current is recorded as greater than 300 Amps, or as the specific peak value if less than 300 Amps.

If the peak locked rotor current in the start winding is greater than 300 Amps, a second reading is taken roughly 800 milliseconds after start up (compressor demand is measured high). If the start winding current value is greater than 300 Amps 800 milliseconds after start up, then the system 12 assumes that the motor 32 is mechanically seized and that power to the motor 32 should be interrupted. If the peak locked rotor current in the start winding is less than 300 Amps, a second reading is taken roughly 800 milliseconds after start up (compressor demand is measured high). If the second reading has not dropped to a level less than 40 percent of the peak LRA measured, power to the compressor motor 32 is interrupted.

For locked rotor conditions that occur after start up has completed, the peak locked rotor current measured is used. If the peak locked rotor current is greater than 300 Amps, and the running current is measured above 300 Amps for 500 milliseconds, power to the motor 32 is interrupted. If the peak locked rotor current is less than 300 Amps, and the running current is greater than 40 percent of that peak locked rotor current measured and recorded, power is similarly interrupted. If a peak locked rotor current of less than 100 Amps is measured, the locked rotor detection is disabled for that compressor run cycle. Such control eliminates nuisance trips if the timing of the start up is disrupted during troubleshooting of the equipment.

A low voltage fault is declared, and the compressor 12 is shut down, if the 220 VAC supply power to the system 12 falls below 170 VAC when a compressor demand signal is present. When the voltage falls to this level, the compressor 10 is not allowed to start. Excessive arcing due to contactor coil chattering during low voltage conditions can lead to a welded contactor and therefore the compressor 10 is shut down under such circumstances. The occurrence of low voltage must persist for roughly two seconds before an alarm is recorded and power to the motor 32 is interrupted. The voltage must rise above 180 VAC for a minimum of two seconds to reset the alarm.

Discharge temperature is monitored to ensure that the discharge temperature is not above a predetermined threshold value in an effort to protect the motor 32 and associated scrolls 40, 48. The system 12 monitors the discharge temperature in at least two locations and, if a resistance value is greater than roughly 1.33 kΩ+/−5 percent, power to the motor 32 is interrupted. Power remains interrupted until the resistance falls below roughly 600Ω+/−5 percent and a thirty (30) minute delay has been completed.

The temperature of the motor 32 is monitored by using at least one positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) device or negative-temperature-coefficient (NTC) device, which may be a thermistor-type sensor. If a PTC resistance value is greater than roughly 4.5 kΩ+/−5 percent, power to the motor 32 is interrupted and remains as such until the PTC resistance falls below roughly 2.75 kΩ+/−5 percent and a thirty (30) minute delay has been completed. A shorted thermistor input is read as a low resistance value and indicates the respective motor temperature sensor is jumpered or a board component has failed. Any PTC resistance below roughly 100 ohms is interpreted as a shorted thermistor.

An open thermistor fault is declared, and power to the motor 32 interrupted, if any thermistor input is read as open circuit. An open circuit is defined for NTC and PTC thermistors as a resistance higher than roughly 100 kΩ. The resistance must be read at this level for 60 seconds while the compressor 10 is running.

If a compressor demand input is read high for two seconds, and no current is read in any of the current transformer inputs, a no three phase power alarm is declared. Whenever current is detected in any current transformer input or if the demand inputs are read low for two seconds, the alarm is reset.

In addition to detecting and reporting the above-described fault conditions (Table 1), the system 12 also detects and monitors “warning conditions.” The warning conditions are not as severe as the fault conditions, and therefore do not cause protective action (i.e., interruption of power to the motor 32), but the warning conditions are monitored nonetheless and are used a diagnostics and in prevention of fault conditions. The warning conditions include a high ambient temperature warning, a motor overload warning, a locked rotor warning, a low supply voltage warning, a high supply voltage warning, a high discharge temperature warning, a discharge temperature sensor short circuit warning, a high motor temperature warning, a no configuration warning, and a contactor life warning, each of which is briefly described below.

A high ambient temperature warning is detected when an ambient temperature sensor measures a temperature above roughly 60 degrees Celsius for more than 60 seconds continuously. The high ambient temperature warning is reset when the ambient temperature sensor measures below 60 degrees Celsius for more than 60 seconds continuously.

A motor overload warning is detected when the motor current is at 100 percent MCC current level for more than 60 seconds. The motor overload warning is reset when the motor current level has dropped below 100 percent MCC current level for more than 60 seconds or when a motor overload alarm becomes active.

A locked rotor warning is detected when a locked rotor event is detected. Unlike the alarm, which requires multiple events, the warning is detected with a single event. The locked rotor warning is reset when the compressor 10 has run five minutes continuously without a locked rotor event, or when a locked rotor alarm becomes active.

A low supply voltage warning is detected when the supply voltage is below 180 VAC for two seconds. A low supply voltage warning is reset when the supply voltage is above 190 VAC for two seconds or when a Low Supply Voltage Alarm becomes active.

A high supply voltage warning is detected when the supply voltage is above 250 VAC for two seconds. A high supply voltage warning is reset when the supply voltage is above 240 VAC for two seconds.

A high discharge temperature warning is detected when the discharge temperature is less than 10 degrees Celsius below the alarm set point for each sensor for two seconds. A high discharge temperature warning is reset when the discharge temperature is greater than 15 degrees Celsius below the alarm set point for each sensor for two seconds, or a high discharge temperature alarm becomes active.

A discharge temperature sensor short circuit warning is detected when the resistance measured at the discharge temperature sensors is less than 100Ω for two seconds. A discharge temperature sensor short circuit warning is reset when the resistance measured is greater than 1 kΩ for two seconds.

A high motor temperature warning is detected when a motor temperature is less than 10 degrees Celsius below the alarm set point for two seconds.

A high motor temperature warning will be reset when a motor temperature is greater than 15 degrees Celsius below the alarm set point for two seconds, or a high motor temperature alarm becomes active.

A no configuration warning is detected when the compressor model number, serial number and MCC current is not programmed into the memory. A no configuration warning is reset when the compressor model number, serial number AND MCC current is programmed into the memory. There is no check for accuracy of the text entered in for model and serial number and any non-zero number for MCC value is valid.

A contactor life warning is detected when the number of compressor starts equals 50,000 or a multiple of 50,000 (i.e., 100 k, 150 k, 200 k, etc.). A contactor life warning is reset when the system module is powered off and on, indicating the contactor has been inspected and/or replaced.

In general, the sensor system 66 detects compressor operating conditions such as the compressor faults listed above in Table 1 and the compressor warning conditions, and provides a signal to the processing circuitry 68 indicative thereof. The processing circuitry 68 is either a microcontroller or a microprocessor such as microcontroller model number PIC18F242, manufactured by Microchip Technology of Chandler, Ariz. The processing circuitry 68 is in communication with the power interruption system 70 and selectively actuates the power interruption system 70 in response to unfavorable conditions detected by the sensor system 66 such as, but not limited to, the aforementioned “fault conditions.” More particularly, the power interruption system 70 selectively restricts power to the compressor motor 32 in response to direction from the processing circuitry 68 to prevent damage to the compressor 10 when sensed compressor operating conditions are outside of a predetermined limit.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3-6, the sensor system 66 is shown to include a scroll sensor 72, a motor temperature sensor 74, and a rotor sensor 76. The scroll sensor 72 is positioned generally proximate to the orbiting scroll member 40 and the non-orbiting scroll member 48 such that the temperature in an area surrounding the orbiting scroll member 40 and non-orbiting scroll member 48 may be detected. The motor temperature sensor 74 is positioned generally proximate to the windings 36 of the electric motor 32 and detects the temperature generally surrounding the windings 36.

The rotor sensor 76 is positioned proximate to the rotor 38 of electric motor 32 and senses when the rotor 38 is in a “locked rotor condition.” When the rotor 38 is restricted from moving relative to the windings 36, a force is applied between the windings 36 and rotor 38 as the crankshaft 30 tries to rotate the windings 36. As can be appreciated, when the motor 32 attempts to rotate the crankshaft 30 and is restricted from doing so due to the locked condition of the rotor 38 relative to the windings 36, excessive current is drawn from an external power source and the rotor 38 begins to experience an elevated temperature. The increase in current draw is monitored by the rotor sensor 76 so that the compressor 10 may be shut down if a predetermined current is detected, as will be discussed further below.

With particular reference to FIG. 4, the sensor system 66 is shown to further include a cluster block 78 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 80. The cluster block 78 includes a housing 82, power apertures 84, and sensor apertures 86. The power apertures 84 are connected to three high-voltage leads 88 extending from the housing 82. The high-voltage leads 88 are operable to supply the electric motor 32 with power to thereby drive the crankshaft 30 and orbiting scroll member 40. The high-voltage leads 88 extend from the housing 82 and terminate at the PCB 80, as best shown in FIG. 4.

The PCB 80 operably supports the motor temperature sensor 74 and rotor sensor 76 in close proximity to the electric motor 32. The motor temperature sensor 74 is disposed on a bottom surface of the PCB 80 and is held in close proximity to the windings 36 of the motor 32 such that the motor temperature sensor 74 is able to detect temperature changes in the windings 36. The motor temperature sensor 74 is a thermistor able to detect temperature fluctuations in the windings 36 and may be configured as either a NTC or a PTC device, depending on the particular application. If the motor temperature sensor 74 is configured as a NTC device, the signals coming from the motor temperature sensor 74 are connected in parallel. If the motor temperature sensor 74 is configured as a PTC device, then the sensed signals coming from the motor temperature sensor 74 are connected in series.

The rotor sensor 76 is generally disposed on an opposite side of the PCB 80 from the motor temperature sensor 74, as best shown in FIG. 4. The rotor sensor 76 generally includes a sensor pin 90 electrically connected to a terminal end of each high-voltage lead 88. The sensor pins 90 are specially designed current carrying elements and are operable to localize an inherent electrical resistance of each pin at a specific point along its geometry indicative of the current flowing through each pin 90. As can be appreciated, the current flowing through each sensor pin 90 is dictated by the amount of power drawn by the electric motor 32. When the rotor 38 is in a locked condition, the motor 32 begins to draw more current through each pin 90, thereby increasing the temperature of each pin 90 at the localized point, as will be described further below.

In addition to the sensor pins 90, the rotor sensor 76 further includes a temperature sensor 92 disposed proximate to each sensor pin 90, as best shown in FIG. 4. The temperature sensors 92 detect a change in temperature along the length of the sensor pin 90, and may be configured as either an NTC or a PTC thermistor. Generally speaking, each temperature sensor 92 is positioned along the length of each sensor pin 90 such that it is proximate to the localized spot of increased electrical resistance so as to best detect a temperature change along the length of each individual pin 90. As can be appreciated, when more current is drawn through each sensor pin 90 by the electric motor 32, each pin 90 will experience electric resistance at the localized point, as previously discussed. By placing each temperature sensor 92 proximate to the localized point of resistance along each sensor pin 90, fluctuations in temperature caused by increased current draw through each sensor pin 90 will be quickly and accurately detected and may be fed back to the processing circuitry 68, as will be discussed further below.

In addition to supporting the motor temperature sensor 74 and rotor sensor 76, the PCT 80 is also operably connected to the scroll sensor 72, as best shown in FIG. 4. The scroll sensor 72 is a temperature sensor and is operable to detect temperature fluctuations proximate to, or caused by, the orbiting scroll member 40 and non-orbiting scroll member 48. The scroll sensor 72 is a thermistor and may be configured as an NTC thermistor or a PTC thermistor, depending on the particular application.

The PCB 80 serves as a termination point for the scroll sensor 72, motor temperature sensor 74, sensor pins 90, and temperature sensors 92. Specifically, the scroll sensor 72 is operably connected to the PCB 80 via low-voltage leads 94, while the motor temperature sensor 74 and temperature sensors 92 are directly connected and supported by the PCB 80, as best shown in FIG. 4. As previously discussed, each of the scroll sensor 72, motor temperature sensor 74, and rotor sensor 76 are operable to detect respective temperature fluctuations within the shell 14 of the compressor 10. Because each of the scroll sensor 72, motor temperature sensor 74, and rotor sensor 76 terminate at the PCB 80, the PCB 80 serves as a relay to transmit the sensed signals from each of the respective sensors 72, 74, 76, through the shell 14 of the compressor 10 to the processing circuitry 68 and power interruption system 70.

A low-voltage lead 96 extends from the PCB 80 to the cluster block 78 and is connected to the sensor apertures 86. As can be appreciated, the number of low-voltage leads 96 extending from the PCB 80 to the cluster block 78 will depend on the number of sensors disposed within the interior volume 22 of the compressor 10. In other words, the number of low-voltage leads extending from the PCB 80 to the cluster block 78 will generally equal the number of sensors 72, 74, 92 disposed within the compressor 10. However, each of the signals from the respective sensors 72, 74, 92 may be combined and sent from the PCB 80 to the cluster block 78 for transmission to the processing circuitry 68 and 70, thereby requiring a single lead extending between the PCB 80 and the cluster block 78. As can be appreciated, by combining the signals from the respective sensors 72, 74, 92, a reduction in the number of leads 96 extending from the PCB 80 to the cluster block 78 may be reduced.

As previously discussed, the sensor assembly 66 is in communication with the processing circuitry 68. To maintain a hermetic seal within the volume 22 of the compressor 10, a hermetic terminal assembly 98 is provided to establish an electrical connection between the sensor assembly 66 and processing circuitry 68, as best shown in FIG. 3.

The hermetic terminal assembly 98 includes a housing 100, a plurality of high-voltage pins 102, a plurality of low-voltage pins 104, and a hermetic sealing material 106 surrounding the high and low-voltage pins 102, 104. The housing 100 is fixedly attached to the shell 14 of the compressor 10 by a suitable means such as welding or braising. The high-voltage and low-voltage pins 102, 104 extend through the housing 100 such that the high-voltage and low-voltage pins 102, 104 extend from the interior volume 22 to an exterior surface of the compressor 10, as best shown in FIG. 3. The high-voltage and low-voltage pins 102, 104 are surrounded by the hermetic sealing material 106 such that a hermetic seal is formed from an exterior surface of each pin 102, 104 and the housing 100. In this manner, the terminal assembly 98 effectively allows communication between the sensor assembly 66 and processing circuitry 68 while maintaining the hermetic seal of the compressor 10.

The processing circuitry 68 is disposed on an outer surface of the compressor 10 and is in communication with both the terminal assembly 98 and the sensor assembly 66. Specifically, the processing circuitry 68 is housed generally within the electrical enclosure 28 and may be incorporated into a suitable plug 108 for interaction with the hermetic terminal assembly 98. Upon assembly, the plug 108 receives each of the high-voltage and low-voltage pins 102, 104 such that an electrical connection is made between the processing circuitry 68 and hermetic terminal assembly 98. In addition, the high-voltage and low-voltage pins 102, 104 are received into the power apertures 84 and sensor apertures 86, respectively, of the cluster block 78. In this manner, an electrical connection is made between the processing circuitry 68 and sensor assembly 66 via the hermetic terminal assembly 98 and plug 108. While a plug 108 has been described, it should be understood that any suitable connector may be used for transmitting a signal from within the compressor 10 to the processing circuitry 68.

In addition to being electrically connected to both the hermetic terminal assembly 98 and sensor assembly 66, the processing circuitry 68 is further connected to the power interruption system 70. The power interruption system 70 is disposed on an external surface of the compressor 10 and is operable to selectively permit or restrict power to the electric motor 32. As can be appreciated, when the sensors 72, 74, 92 indicate that conditions are unfavorable within the compressor 10, the processing circuitry 68 will direct the power interruption system 70 to restrict power from reaching the electric motor 32, thereby effectively shutting down the compressor 10. In this manner, the sensor assembly 66, processing circuitry 68, and power interruption system 70 are operable to shut down the compressor 10 via restricting power to the electric motor 32 when conditions in the compressor 10, or within a system the compressor 10 may be tied to, are unfavorable for further operation.

In addition to the above, the processing circuitry 68 also stores the configuration parameters of the compressor 10. Specifically, the compressor model, compressor serial number, motor sensor type, MCC level, discharge temperature, motor temperature, current transformer calibration offset, slave addressing, and device name are all stored within the processing circuitry 68. Of the above parameters, only the compressor model, serial number, slave addressing, and device name are field configurable.

With particular reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the operation of the compressor 10 and associated compressor protection and control system 12 will be described in detail. As previously discussed, the power interruption system 70 regulates power directed to the electric motor 32 of the compressor 10 by selectively engaging a contact 110 disposed external from the compressor 10 to thereby selectively restrict and permit power to the electric motor 32.

In operation, the processor 68 monitors the combined signal of both the motor temperature sensor 74 and scroll temperature sensor 72 and selectively shuts down the compressor 10 in response to detected system parameters. Specifically, if the actual value of the temperature detected by either the motor temperature sensor 74 or scroll temperature sensor 72 exceeds a preprogrammed limit such that a fault condition is detected, the processing circuitry 68 directs the power interruption system 70 to disconnect the contact 110, thereby restricting power from reaching the electric motor 32. In addition, the processing circuitry 68 further creates a fault signal and directs such signal to a diagnostic output 112 for recording. As can be appreciated, registered faults within the compressor 10 may be valuable diagnostic tools in tracking and preventing further faults and failures within the compressor 10. By sending fault signals to the diagnostic output 112, the processing circuitry 68 effectively registers each time the compressor 10 is shut down and maintains a record of each fault condition experienced.

As previously discussed, the rotor sensor 76 detects when the rotor 38 is locked relative to the windings 36. When the rotor 38 is in a “locked rotor condition” the electric motor 32 still draws current through the sensor pins 90 in an effort to rotate the crankshaft 30 and rotor 38 relative to the windings 36. In so doing, the electric motor 32 draws a significant amount of current through each sensor pin 90 to overcome the locked condition between the rotor 38 and windings 36, thereby increasing the temperature of each sensor pin 90. When the sensor pins 90 realize an increase in temperature, the temperature sensors 92 relay a signal indicative of the temperature increase back to the processing circuitry 68.

When the temperature sensors 92 indicate an increase in temperature at each pin 90, the processing circuitry 68 correlates the sensed temperature to a current flowing through each pin 90. In this manner, the temperature sensors 92 cooperate with the processing circuitry 68 to effectively function as a current sensor to monitor the current through each pin 90 and detect a locked rotor condition. When a threshold current has been established through the pins 90, the processing circuitry 68 is operable to direct the power interruption system 70 to restrict power to the motor 32 and shut down the compressor 10.

In addition to sending a signal to the power interruption system 70, the processing circuitry 68 also sends a diagnostic signal to the diagnostic output 112 to record the “locked rotor” fault experienced within the compressor 10. By storing and tracking faults, the compressor protection and control system 12 effectively allows a user to monitor and track problems experienced by the compressor 10 in an effort to prevent and detect problems in the future, as previously discussed.

Compressor protection and control system 12 has thus far been described as having three temperature sensors 92, each disposed proximate to the sensor pins 90. FIG. 5 schematically represents an input to the processing circuitry 68 from each one of the temperature sensors 92. It should be understood, however, that the three temperature sensors 92 could be fed into one signal, whereby the lone signal is sent to the processing circuitry 68 via hermetic terminal assembly 98, as best shown in FIG. 6. In such a relationship, the system 12 is simplified by reducing the number of signals coming from the individual temperature sensors 92. In addition to the aforementioned sensors 72, 74, 76, it should be understood that other sensors could be used within the compressor 10 and should be considered as part of the present invention. Specifically, it is anticipated that an oil level sensor or oil temperature sensor, generically referred to in FIG. 6 as 114, could also be incorporated into the compressor protection and control system 12 for use in tracking diagnostics within the compressor 10, and should be considered with in the scope of the present invention.

With particular reference to FIGS. 7-11, a second embodiment of the compressor protection and control system 12 will be described in detail. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the compressor protection and control system 12 and the compressor protection and control system 12 a, like reference numerals are used here and in the drawings to identify like components.

The compressor protection and control system 12 a functions in a similar fashion to that of the compressor protection and control system 12, with respect to the scroll sensor 72 and motor temperature sensor 74. In this manner, detailed descriptions of the scroll sensor 72 and motor temperature sensor 74 are foregone.

The rotor sensor 76 a is disposed within the electric box 28 and generally includes a sensor pin 90 electrically connected to a high-voltage lead 88. The sensor pins 90 are a specially designed current carrying elements and localize an inherent electrical resistance of each pin at a specific point along its geometry indicative of the current flowing through each pin 90. As can be appreciated, the current flowing through each sensor pin 90 is dictated by the amount of power drawn by the electric motor 32. When the rotor 38 is in a locked condition, the motor 32 begins to draw more current through each pin 90, thereby increasing the temperature of each pin 90 at the localized point, as will be described further below.

In addition to the sensor pins 90, the rotor sensor 76 a further includes a temperature sensor 92 disposed proximate to each sensor pin 90. The temperature sensors 92 are operable to detect a change in temperature along the length of the sensor pin 90, and may be configured as either an NTC or a PTC thermistor. Generally speaking, each temperature sensor 92 is positioned along the length of each sensor pin 90 such that it is proximate to the localized spot of increased electrical resistance so as to best detect a temperature change along the length of each individual pin 90. As can be appreciated, when more current is drawn through each sensor pin 90 by the electric motor 32, each pin 90 experiences electric resistance at the localized point. By placing each temperature sensor 92 proximate to the localized point of resistance along each sensor pin 90, fluctuations in temperature caused by increased current draw through each sensor pin 90 will be quickly and accurately detected and may be fed back to the processing circuitry 68.

The rotor sensor 76 a allows the processing circuitry 68 to more quickly respond to an increase in current draw by the motor 32 and therefore increases the ability of the compressor protection and control system 12 a to protect the compressor 10. More particularly, because the rotor sensor 76 a is disposed external from the interior space 22 of the compressor, the power drawn by the motor 32 may be monitored prior to actually entering the compressor shell 14. Monitoring the current draw upstream from the motor 32 allows for a quicker response time as the processing circuitry 68 is not required to wait for the current to travel along the high-voltage leads 88 and through the hermetic interface 98 prior to taking a reading. The improved response time allows the processing circuitry 68 to more quickly direct the power interruption system 70 to restrict power to the motor 32, and thus, reduces the probability of compressor damage.

With particular reference to FIGS. 12-18, a third embodiment of the compressor protection and control system 12 will be described in detail. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the compressor protection and control system 12 and the compressor protection and control system 12 b, like reference numerals are used here and in the drawings to identify like components.

The compressor protection and control system 12 b functions in a similar fashion to that of the compressor protection and control system 12, with respect to the scroll sensor 72 and motor temperature sensor 74. In this manner, detailed descriptions of the scroll sensor 72 and motor temperature sensor 74 are foregone.

The rotor sensor 76 b is disposed within the electrical enclosure 28 b such that the rotor sensor 76 b is removed from the interior space 22 of the compressor 10. The rotor sensor 76 b includes a cluster block 116 that matingly engages the hermetic terminal assembly 98 and a current sensor 118 that detects a current drawn by the electric motor 32.

The cluster block 116 includes a pair of arms 120 flanking a central body 122, as best shown in FIG. 13. Each of the arms 120 and central body 122 includes a high-voltage lead 88 extending therefrom. In addition, the main body 122 includes a pair of low-voltage leads 96 extending therefrom for receiving and transmitting signals from the sensor assembly 66 b, as will be described further below. As best shown in FIG. 13, the cluster block 116 matingly engages the hermetic terminal assembly 98 such that each of the high-voltage leads 98 engage the high-voltage pins 102 and the low-voltage leads 96 engage the low-voltage pins 104. In this manner, the cluster block 116 effectively connects the high-voltage power leads 88 and low-voltage sensor leads 96 to the sensor system 66 a and motor 32 disposed within the compressor 10.

The current sensor 118 is disposed proximate to the cluster block 116, as best shown in FIG. 14. The current sensor 76 b includes a series of individual sensing elements 124, each having a high-voltage lead 88 extending therethrough. The sensor elements 124 detect a current flowing through each of the high-voltage leads 88 and produce a signal indicative thereof. The signal produced by the sensing elements 124 is sent to the processing circuitry 68 b to compare the sensed current to a threshold limit and determine whether the electric motor 32 is in a “locked rotor state” or another fault condition.

If the processing circuitry 68 b determines that the current flowing through the high-voltage leads 88 exceeds the threshold limit, the processing circuitry 68 b will send a signal to the power interruption system 70 to restrict power to the electric motor 32 and shut down the compressor 10.

As previously discussed, the processing circuitry 68 b sends a signal to the power interruption system 70 to restrict power to the electric motor 32 should an undesirable condition be experienced within the compressor 10. In addition, the processing circuitry 68 b also alerts an operator that a system fault has occurred within the compressor 10 by illuminating a series of light-emitting devices (LED) 126, as will be discussed further below.

With particular reference to FIGS. 14-18, the operation of the compressor 10 and associated compressor protection and control system 12 b will be described in detail. As previously discussed, the scroll sensor 72, motor temperature sensor 74, and rotor sensor 76 b detect operating conditions and parameters of the compressor 10. The sensed signals from the individual sensors 72, 74, 76 b are sent to the processing circuitry 68 b for comparison to a set of predetermined compressor operating parameters. Should the processing circuitry 68 b determine that the sensed parameters from the individual sensors 72, 74, 76 b exceed the predetermined compressor operating parameters, the processing circuitry 68 b will alert the power interruption system 70 to restrict power to the electric motor 32 to thereby shut down the compressor 10.

When the compressor 10 is initially started, the system is in a ready mode, as indicated in FIG. 17. At this point, the processing circuitry 68 b checks for any fault conditions. If a fault condition is detected, the processing circuitry 68 b bypasses the run mode of the compressor 10 and causes the compressor 10 to enter a shutdown mode. In the shutdown mode, the compressor 10 attempts to recover the system without fully shutting down power to the electric motor 32, depending on the particular fault condition experienced. However, if the fault condition experienced is a significant fault, the shutdown mode enters a lockout or a no control phase, whereby the compressor 10 will need to be shut down completely such that power is restricted from reaching the electric motor 32. In such a condition, the compressor 10 is not be able to enter the run mode until the processing circuitry 68 b directs the power interruption system 70 to restrict power to the electric motor 32. Restarting the compressor 10 by restricting power often clears the fault and allows the compressor 10 to properly operate.

When the compressor 10 is returned to the ready mode, or when the compressor 10 is initially started from startup and no fault conditions are detected, the compressor 10 enters the run mode, as indicated in FIGS. 17 and 18. The compressor 10 continues to run and the processing circuitry 68 b will cause the diagnostic 112 to continually record each successful run. Once ten successful runs have been achieved, the processing circuitry 68 b clears the fault memory and restarts the system anew. In this manner, the processing circuitry 68 b receives sensed system parameters from the individual sensors 72, 74, 76 b and selectively shuts down the compressor 10 when system conditions warrant. In addition, the processing circuitry 68 b also collects data during an operational mode of the compressor 10 via diagnostic 112 to thereby store and track faults. As can be appreciated, by storing and tracking such faults, the processing circuitry 68 b is able to detect and prevent possible future failures and faults by the compressor 10.

When the compressor 10 is in the run mode, the LED 126 illuminates a green light to indicate that the compressor 10 is running under normal conditions, as best shown in FIG. 18. In addition, a second LED 126 may also be illuminated to indicate that the contactor 110 is supplying power to the electric motor 32. In the event that a fault is detected, a yellow LED 126 is illuminated to indicate that the compressor 10 has experienced a fault and is in need of attention. If the processing circuitry 68 b determines that the fault condition is a significant fault, such that the compressor 10 will not be able to recover without shutting down, the processing circuitry 68 b directs the power interruption system 70 to restrict power the compressor 10, as previously discussed.

When the power interruption system 70 shuts down the compressor 10, a red LED 126 is illuminated to alert an operator that the compressor 10 has been shut down due to a fault condition. At this point, the green “run” and “contactor” LEDs 126 is turned off to indicate that the compressor 10 is no longer running under normal conditions, and that the contactor 110 has been disengaged from the power supply. It should be noted that at this point, the only LED 126 illuminated is the red alarm, indicating that the compressor 10 has been shut down and has logged a fault. As can be appreciated, by using such LEDs 126, the compressor protection and control system 12 b allows the compressor 10 to indicate when a fault condition has been experienced so that proper actions can be taken, as best shown in FIG. 18.

Generally speaking, the LED alarms are divided into supply power alarms and compressor alarms. The respective supply power and compressor alarms are communicated to the user by denoting a specific alarm with a designated number of LED flashes. Specifically, the supply power alarms include run winding delay (one flash), missing phase (two flashes), reverse phase (three flashes), welded contactor (four flashes), low voltage (five flashes), and no three phase power (six flashes). The compressor alarms include low oil pressure (one flash), discharge temperature (two flashes), motor temperature (three flashes), locked rotor (four flashes), motor overload (five flashes), and open thermistor (six flashes). Therefore, the user can easily determine the respective fault condition by simply referring to the respective LED 126.

With particular reference to FIGS. 19-20, a fourth embodiment of the compressor protection and control system 12 will be described in detail. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the compressor protection and control system 12 and the compressor protection and control system 12 c, like reference numerals are used here and in the drawings to identify like components.

With reference to FIG. 19, the plural compressor 10 c is shown to include a generally cylindrical hermetic shell 14 c having a pair of welded caps 16 c, 18 c and a plurality of feet 20 c. The caps 16 c, 18 c are fitted to the shell 14 c such that an interior volume 22 c of the compressor 10 c is defined. In addition, an electrical enclosure 28 c is fixedly attached to the shell 14 c generally between the caps 16 c, 18 c and operably supports a portion of the protection system 12 c therein, as will be discussed further below.

A crankshaft 30 c is rotatively driven by an electric motor 32 c relative to the shell 14 c. The motor 32 c includes a stator 34 c fixedly supported by the hermetic shell 14 c, windings 36 c passing therethrough, and a rotor 38 c press fitted on the crankshaft 30 c. The motor 32 c and associated stator 34 c, windings 36 c, and rotor 38 c are operable to drive the crankshaft 30 c relative to the shell 14 c to thereby compress a fluid.

The plural compressor 10 c further includes a pair of orbiting scroll members 40 c, each having a spiral vane or wrap 42 c on the upper surface thereof for use in receiving and compressing a fluid. An Oldham coupling 44 c is positioned between orbiting scroll members 40 c and a bearing housing 46 c and is keyed to orbiting scroll members 40 c and a pair of non-orbiting scroll members 48 c. The Oldham coupling 44 c is operable to transmit rotational forces from the crankshaft 30 c to the orbiting scroll members 40 c to thereby compress a fluid disposed between the orbiting scroll members 40 c and non-orbiting scroll members 48 c. Oldham coupling 44 c and its interaction with orbiting scroll members 40 c and non-orbiting scroll members 48 c is preferably of the type disclosed in assignee's commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,506, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Non-orbiting scroll members 48 c also include a wrap 50 c positioned in meshing engagement with wrap 42 c of orbiting scroll members 40 c. Non-orbiting scroll members 48 c have a centrally disposed discharge passage 52 c which communicates with an upwardly open recess 54 c. Recesses 54 c serve to store compressed fluid are disposed at opposite ends of the interior volume 22 c such that a first recess 54 c is positioned proximate cap 16 c and a second recess 54 c is positioned proximate cap 18 c.

Plural compressor 10 c is preferably of the type disclosed in assignee's commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,846 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/600,106 filed on Jun. 20, 2003, published as U.S. 2004-0258542A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The compressor protection and control system 12 c functions in a similar fashion to that of the compressor protection and control system 12 b, with respect to the scroll sensor 72 and motor temperature sensor 74. In this manner, detailed descriptions of the scroll sensor 72 and motor temperature sensor 74 are foregone.

The rotor sensor 76 c is disposed generally within electrical box 28 c such that current to the motor 32 c is sensed prior to entering the shell 14 c. The rotor sensor 76 c is substantially identical to sensor 76 b, but requires three additional sensing elements 124 to handle an additional current draw by the motor 32 c. Specifically, because the plural compressor 10 c drives a pair of orbiting scroll members 40 c relative to a pair of non-orbiting scroll members 48 c, a larger motor 32 c is required and, thus, more current is drawn. The increased power requirement causes additional high-voltage lines 88 to extend between the hermetic terminal assembly 98 and motor 32 c. In this manner, the rotor sensor 76 c requires a total of six sensing elements 124 to accommodate the additional high-voltage leads 88.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show a perspective view of the processing circuitry 68 c and rotor sensor 76 c. Six sensing elements 124 are shown proximate to high-voltage leads 88, such that the current drawn by the motor 32 c is monitored. In addition, a plurality of sensor inputs are shown such as oil level inputs 134, motor temperature sensor inputs 136, discharge temperature inputs 138, 140, alarm relays 140, power inputs 142, and contactor inputs 144. In addition, a communication port 112 c is shown for communication with an external network, as will be discussed further below. As can be appreciated, the inputs may be varied depending on the particular application and will be largely dependent upon the sensor system 66 c disposed within the compressor 10 c. For example, a scroll-temperature input 146 could be added if a scroll sensor 72 is used within the compressor 10 c, as best shown in FIG. 21.

With particular reference to FIG. 23, the compressor 10 and associated compressor protection and control system 12 are shown incorporated into a network 128. While the network 128 will be described with reference to compressor 10 and compressor protection and control system 12 b, it should be understood that compressor 10 c and other protection and control systems 12, 12 a, 12 c could similarly be used in such a network. The network 128 includes a system controller 138 and a plurality of compressors 10. Each compressor 10 is in communication with a system controller 130 via a communications port 132. The communications port 132 may be linked to the diagnostic 112 such that faults recorded by the processing circuitry 68 b logged in the diagnostic 112 may be supplied to the communication port 132 and system controller 130. By doing so, the faults experienced by each individual compressor 10 may be recorded and logged so that the proper maintenance may be performed on each compressor 10. While the compressor protection and control system 12 b has been described incorporated into the network 128, it should be understood that the compressor protection and control system 12 could similarly be implemented into such a network, and as such, should be considered within the scope of the present invention.

As described, the compressor protection and control system 12 and compressor protection and control system 12 b provide the compressor 10 with the ability to detect and sense system parameters, to alert potential faults through the use of LEDs 126, and to store faults via diagnostic 112. In addition, in the case of the locked rotor condition, each of the current sensors 76, 76 b provide the system with the ability to detect current draw by the motor 32, rather than relying solely on sensed motor temperatures. As can be appreciated, by sensing current draw, rather than waiting for a temperature signal to be produced and analyzed, the systems 12, 12 a, 12 b, 12 c provide a quicker response time and thereby increase the productivity and performance of the compressor 10.

The description is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations are intended to be within the scope of the teachings and not as a departure from the spirit and scope of the teachings. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compressor diagnostic device comprising: at least one of: a current sensor that measures a first current flow through a motor of a refrigerant compressor; and a temperature sensor disposed within and sensing a temperature of a measurement region of an electrical conductor that is configured to close and open to allow and prevent current flow to the motor, respectively; and a controller in communication with the at least one of the current sensor and the temperature sensor and operable to control the electrical conductor based on a comparison of a second current flow through the motor and a maximum current.
 2. The compressor diagnostic device of claim 1 wherein the controller is operable to determine the second current based on the sensed temperature.
 3. The compressor diagnostic device of claim 1 wherein the first and second currents are the same.
 4. The compressor diagnostic device of claim 1 wherein the controller is operable to determine the maximum current based on the sensed temperature.
 5. The compressor diagnostic device of claim 4 wherein the controller is operable to determine the maximum current based on the sensed temperature in response to a determination that the maximum current is set to zero.
 6. The compressor diagnostic device of claim 1 wherein the controller is operable to maintain the electrical conductor closed when the second current is greater than the maximum current and less than the maximum current multiplied by a predetermined percentage, wherein the predetermined percentage is greater than 100 percent.
 7. The compressor diagnostic device of claim 6 wherein the controller is operable to selectively open the electrical conductor when the second current is greater than the maximum current multiplied by the predetermined percentage.
 8. The compressor diagnostic device of claim 6 wherein the controller is operable to open the electrical conductor when the second current is greater than the maximum current multiplied by the predetermined percentage for a predetermined period.
 9. The compressor diagnostic device of claim 6 wherein the controller is operable to close the electrical conductor a first predetermined period after a time when the controller opens the electrical conductor in response to a determination that the second current is greater than the maximum current multiplied by the predetermined percentage for a second predetermined period.
 10. A system comprising: the compressor diagnostic device of claim 1; and a light emitting device, wherein the controller is further in communication with the light emitting device and is further operable to selectively turn on the light emitting device based on the comparison.
 11. The compressor diagnostic device of claim 1 wherein the maximum current is not field configurable.
 12. The compressor diagnostic device of claim 1 wherein the controller is operable to perform the comparison beginning a predetermined period after startup of the motor.
 13. A system comprising: the compressor diagnostic device of claim 1; and the refrigerant compressor.
 14. A compressor diagnostic method comprising: at least one of: measuring, using a current sensor, a first current flow through a motor of a refrigerant compressor; and measuring, using a temperature sensor, a temperature of a measurement region of an electrical conductor that is configured to close and open to allow and prevent current flow to the motor, respectively; communicating with at least one of the current sensor and the temperature sensor; and controlling the electrical conductor based on a comparison of a second current flow through the motor and a maximum current.
 15. The compressor diagnostic method of claim 14 further comprising determining the second current based on the temperature.
 16. The compressor diagnostic method of claim 14 wherein the first and second currents are the same.
 17. The compressor diagnostic method of claim 14 further comprising determining the maximum current based on the temperature.
 18. The compressor diagnostic method of claim 17 further comprising, in response to a determination that the maximum current is set to zero, determining the maximum current based on the temperature.
 19. The compressor diagnostic method of claim 14 further comprising maintaining the electrical conductor closed when the second current is greater than the maximum current and less than the maximum current multiplied by a predetermined percentage, wherein the predetermined percentage is greater than 100 percent.
 20. The compressor diagnostic method of claim 19 further comprising selectively opening the electrical conductor when the second current is greater than the maximum current multiplied by the predetermined percentage.
 21. The compressor diagnostic method of claim 19 further comprising opening the electrical conductor when the second current is greater than the maximum current multiplied by the predetermined percentage for a predetermined period.
 22. The compressor diagnostic method of claim 19 further comprising: in response to a determination that the second current is greater than the maximum current multiplied by the predetermined percentage for a first predetermined period, opening the electrical conductor at a time; and closing the electrical conductor a second predetermined period after the time.
 23. The compressor diagnostic method of claim 14 further comprising selectively turning on a light emitting device based on the comparison.
 24. The compressor diagnostic method of claim 14 further comprising preventing the maximum current from being field configurable.
 25. The compressor diagnostic method of claim 14 further comprising performing the comparison beginning a predetermined period after startup of the motor. 